Based on real-time data from GateReady, these are the US airports where you should plan the most extra time for security screening.
Not all airports are created equal when it comes to security wait times. Based on data collected by GateReady across 50 US airports, these ten consistently produce the longest waits — and knowing which ones they are can save you from missing a flight.
Average peak wait: 25-35 minutes
DEN's single terminal design means all passengers funnel through one security area, creating bottlenecks during peak hours. The trek from security to your gate via the underground train adds another 10-15 minutes. Check DEN live.
Average peak wait: 25-40 minutes
SFO's international terminal consistently runs long, especially during morning Asia-Pacific departures. Domestic terminals are more manageable. Check SFO live.
Average peak wait: 30-40 minutes
LAX's decentralized design means each terminal has its own security. Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is the worst offender. Domestic terminals vary widely. Check LAX live.
Average peak wait: 30-45 minutes
MIA serves as a major hub for Latin American travel, creating heavy volume at North Terminal checkpoints. South Terminal tends to be faster. Check MIA live.
Average peak wait: 30-45 minutes
JFK's terminal-by-terminal design means your experience depends entirely on which airline you fly. Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 4 (Delta international) are the slowest. Check JFK live.
Average peak wait: 30-50 minutes
DFW is massive — five terminals, each with multiple checkpoints. Terminal D (international) has the longest waits. The silver lining: Smart Routing can help you pick the fastest checkpoint. Check DFW live.
Average peak wait: 35-50 minutes
EWR has long been one of the most frustrating airports for security. Terminal C (United hub) is particularly bad during morning rushes. The shutdown has made things worse. Check EWR live.
Average peak wait: 35-55 minutes
ORD is the third-busiest airport in the US, and it shows at security. Terminal 5 (international) regularly exceeds 45 minutes. Terminals 1-3 are better but still busy. Check ORD live.
Average peak wait: 35-60 minutes
The world's busiest airport processes over 90 million passengers annually. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are the worst. The domestic Main checkpoint is busiest — try South or North checkpoints if you can. Check ATL live.
Average peak wait: 40-65 minutes
PHL consistently tops our list for the longest security waits. Limited checkpoint capacity relative to passenger volume, combined with an older terminal design, creates chronic bottlenecks. The shutdown has only amplified the problem. Check PHL live.
Regardless of which airport you use, these strategies help:
Found this useful? Share it with fellow travelers.
GateReady monitors 50 US airports and sends proactive alerts when wait times spike. Free to start, no credit card required.
The busiest travel days of the year demand serious preparation. This guide covers the top 10 airports, peak days, how early to arrive, and strategies to keep holiday travel stress-free.
From 3D scanners eliminating laptop removal to biometric boarding gates, airport security in 2026 looks different than it did even two years ago. Here is what has changed and where things are headed.
Do you need to go through security again on a connecting flight? The answer depends on whether your connection is domestic or international. Here is everything you need to know.